Broadway To Vegas

Copyright: August 31, 2025
By: Laura Deni
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WHITE HOUSE CELEBRATES INDEPENDENCE BY ENCOURAGING CHILDREN TO CREATE THEIR OWN FOUNDERS DAY MUSEUMS

History has never been more fun to learn - with the exception, of course, of seeing Hamilton.

The Founders Museum bills itself as a conservative non-profit, headquartered in Washington, DC inside the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.

Throughout the building are 18-by-24-inch printouts of various portraits of U.S. Founding Fathers and Mothers, in gold frames. Each contains a QR code on picture labels. Scan these, and backed by music which runs the gamut from fiddle to orchestra, the various 28th century paintings come to life on your phone in A.I.-animated video to deliver a two-minute speech discussing themselves and what their periods in time represented.

The Founders Museum is the brainchild of PragerU, which isn't a school but rather an online education initiative in tandem with the White House in preparation for the nation’s 250th birthday next year.

The content is both easy to understand and retain. Brilliantly designed in sections: Ladies of the Revolution, Founding Fathers, The Signers of the Constitution, and Create Your Own Founders Museum which offers detailed instruction and product to duplicate everything from a full sized museum to helping students create a desk top version.

All information comes across as non partisan. No political point of view is crammed down ones throat.

Ladies of the Revolution:
Abigail Adams (1744 – 1818)
Phyllis Wheatley (1753-1784)
Dolley Madison (1768-1849)
Betsy Ross (1752-1836)
Mercy Otis Warren (1728-1814)

Each presents its own biography many containing seldom disclosed bits of personal information.

The Founding Fathers:

Thomas Jefferson
John Adams
Samuel Adams
Benjamin Franklin

It was Jefferson who orchestrated the Louisiana Purchase and when drafting the Declaration of Independence penned: "that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Or, Thomas Lynch, Jr., a delegate from South Carolina to the Continental Congress and the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence. Lynch substituted for his dad, who was ill, and left a space on the Declaration for the elder Lynch to sign later, should he recover. The young man was sickly, and was lost at sea a few years later with his wife, en route to Europe for medical treatment.

Lynch, Jr. had no children of his own and yet insisted in his will that any female family member who wished to inherit his property had to assume his surname. His biography concludes, "I gave what little time I had because even the young and unwell can rise—when their country calls."

Signers of the Declaration of Independence

John Adams (1735-1826)
Benjamin Franklin (1706 – 1790)
John Hancock (1737-1793)
Samuel Adams (1722-1803)
Josiah Bartlett (1729 – 1795)
Carter Braxton (1736 – 1797)
Charles Carroll of Carrollton (1737-1832)
Samuel Chase (1741-1811)
Abraham Clark (1726-1794)
George Clymer (1739-1813)
William Ellery (1727-1820)
William Floyd (1734–1821)
Elbridge Gerry (1744–1814)
Button Gwinnett (1735-1777)
Lyman Hall (1724-1790)
Benjamin Harrison V (1726-1791)
John Hart (1713-1779)
Joseph Hewes (1730-1779)
Thomas Heyward Jr. (1746-1809)
William Hooper (1742-1790)
Stephen Hopkins (1707-1785)
Francis Hopkinson (1737-1791)
Samuel Huntington (1731-1796)
Francis Lightfoot Lee (1734-1797)
Richard Henry Lee (1732-1794)
Francis Lewis (1713-1802)
Philip Livingston (1716-1778)
Thomas Lynch Jr. (1749-1779)
Thomas McKean (1734-1817)
Arthur Middleton (1742-1787)
Lewis Morris (1726-1798)
Robert Morris (1734-1806)
John Morton (1725-1777)
Thomas Nelson Jr. (1738-1789)
William Paca (1740-1799)
Robert Treat Paine (1731-1814)
John Penn (1741-1788)
George Read (1733-1798)
Caesar Rodney (1728-1784)
George Ross (1730-1779)
Dr. Benjamin Rush (1746-1813)
Edward Rutledge (1749-1800)
Roger Sherman (1721-1793)
James Smith (1719-1806)
Richard Stockton (1730-1781)
Thomas Stone (1743-1787)
George Taylor (1716-1781)
Matthew Thornton (1714-1803)
George Walton (1741-1804)
William Whipple (1730-1785)
William Williams (1731-1811)
James Wilson (1742 – 1798)
John Witherspoon (1723 – 1794)
Oliver Wolcott (1726-1797)
George Wythe (1726-1806)

The instructions for constructing your own museum even offers quizzes and test questions. This is an exhibit which won't get outdated and offers numerous expansion possibilities. History teachers rejoice.

NOTE: The previous section refers to the MUSEUM and only the MUSEUM and is not addressing PragerU or any of the issues they may have experienced.

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This is not your typical, totally boring textbook.

In the pages of How To Earn A Living As A Freelance Writer (the first to be lied to and the last to be paid) you'll find sex, celebrities, violence, threats, unethical editors, scummy managers and lawyers, treacherous press agents, sex discrimination; as well as a how-to for earning money by writing down words.

ART AND ABOUT

DID YOU KNOW THAT THE METROPOLITAN holds more paintings by Johannes Vermeer than any other museum in the world. By most counts, there are only 34 surviving canvases by the esteemed Dutch painter. The Met boasts five works in their collection.

Together, these works trace Vermeer’s artistic development—from his early explorations to the refined mastery of his later years. They highlight the range of his subjects, from solitary figures caught in quiet moments to richly layered narrative scenes. All five works are currently on view in Gallery 614 on the second floor at The Met Fifth Avenue.

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SWEET CHARITY

GREAT WINE EVENT to benefit Playhouse on the Square in Memphis, Tennessee takes place September 16, 2025 at the Playhouse.

You're invited to join in for Great Wine, a fun and funky fundraiser that brings the magic of 10 exciting shows to life, each perfectly paired with a delightful wine. This unique evening promises an unforgettable experience where theatre and wine blend seamlessly.

As you enjoy each sip, characters in full costume will enchant you with descriptions of the wines and offer tantalizing clues (for the right price). Test your theatrical knowledge for a chance to win an array of wonderful prizes! Don't worry if your theatre expertise is more like a cheap Merlot; there are plenty of ways to win and enjoy the evening.

COMEDY GIVES BACK'S 818 BRODY STEVENS FUNDRAISER last week was sold out and raised over 11K for comedians in crisis.

The 818 Brody Stevens Comedy Benefit at the Comedy Store honored the late comedian Brody Stevens and raises awareness and money for Comedy Gives Back’s mental health resources and programs supporting stand-up comedians.

SPREADING THE WORD

IVORYTON PLAYHOUSE built in 1911, is the oldest, continuously running, self-supporting summer theater in the nation. The venue has hosted some of the great names of the American stage including Katharine Hepburn, Marlon Brando, Helen Hayes, and Tallulah Bankhead. The Ivoryton Playhouse in CT now produces a year-round professional season of musicals, comedies, and dramas as well as many special events April through December.

Through September 7, 2025 My Fair Lqdy is on stage.

RICH LITTLE who was born in Canada has an interesting experience when he became a citizen of the United States. The Judge asked Rich to recite the Pledge of Allegiance as John Wayne for his Swearing in Ceremony, for U.S. Citizenship. He opens September 7, 2025 at the Tuscany Suites and Casino in Las Vegas. His show features a revealing look at the many quirks and personalities of celebrities, as well as U.S. Presidents from Kennedy to Biden, including how he and President Ronald Regan, were told to F*** Off by Bette Davis during the inauguration.

THE AMERICAN THEATRE CRITICS ASSOCIATION will hold their annual conference in New York City on November 7-9. Part of the first day will include a conversation with one of Broadway's power-couples, press agent Adrian Bryan-Brown and photographer Joan Marcus. Between them, Bryan-Brown and Marcus have hundreds of Broadway credits and this conversation promises to shed light on how the theater industry's relationship with media and the public continues to evolve in the digital age.

KING CHARLES AND QUEEN CAMILLA held a concert at Balmoral Castle according to The Court Circular, which records all of the royal family's official activities. It was posted that Charles and Camilla "held a concert of music that was performed at the 2023 Honours of Scotland Service" on Thursday evening at the Highland home.

The entry adds that the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal and Vice-Admiral Sir Tim Laurence were also in attendance. So far, no photographs of the event have been shared publicly by Buckingham Palace.

A few days prior Princess Anne's husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence was received by The King when His Majesty invested him with the Insignia of a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order.

Prince Edward the Duke of Edinburgh and his wife Sophie the Duchess of Edinburgh are well known theatre aficionados. They attended not one, but three theatrical performances in one day.The Duke of Edinburgh, Patron, Edinburgh International Festival, attended a performance by Wroclaw Baroque Ensemble at The Queen's Hall. Then The Duke amd his wife attended a performance of "Orpheus and Eurydice" at Edinburgh Playhouse. If that wasn't enough, the couple attended an evening performance of "Mary, Queen of Scots" at the Festival Theatre.

OTHER PEOPLE'S MONEY

THE WIZARD OF OZ EXPERIENCE the Sphere's new immersive experience in Las Vegas reports that over 120,000 tickets were sold prior to its premiere on August 29, 2025.

On opening night tickets sold topped at over200,000 sales and expected to continue through its run which continues at least March 2026.

The Sphere offers a 4D experience of the classic 1939 film using AI-enhanced visuals and re-scored audio on its 160,000-square-foot LED screen.

Judy Garland's daughter Lorna Luft attended the opening.

Tickets begin at $104.

RADIO IS THE MOST PROFITABLE AUDIO CHANNEL Oxford Road's 2025 State of Audio Advertising report indicates. "With a daily reach of 60% of Americans over 13 and annual ad revenues surpassing $10.3 billion, AM/FM radio outpaces all other audio channels, the report shows, while underscoring radio's enduring appeal as audio consumption rises and advertisers seek trusted channels with proven ROI."

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THE IRISH AND HOW THEY GOT THAT WAY by Pulitzer Prize-winner Frank McCourt.

Directed and choreographed by Marc Robin.

Starring Curt Dale Clark, the Artistic Director of Maine State Music, David Girolmo, Heidi Kettenring, and Charis Leos.

MSMT and The Public Theatre proudly present a spirited musical revue featuring a cast of MSMT favorites, this limited-run production blends Irish ballads, folk tunes, and contemporary hits into a moving tribute to the Irish-American journey.

Through a seamless blend of storytelling, humor, and music, the production showcases beloved ballads like "Danny Boy" and The Rose of Tralee" alongside contemporary hits from U2, creating a theatrical journey that is both poignant and uplifting.

The Maine State Music Theatre performances run through September 14 at The Public Theatre in Lewiston, Maine.

PUNCH by two-time Olivier winner James Graham.

Directed by Adam Penford.

As Jacob tears through Nottingham in a whirlwind of drugs, girls, and bar fights, he makes a fatal mistake that lands him in prison. But as he struggles to accept the consequences of his actions and build a new life, he finds an unusual source of salvation: the parents of the boy he killed. Based on a remarkable true story.

This production is dedicated to James Hodgkinson and all victims of one-punch.

Featuring: Camila Canó-Flaviá as Clare/Nicola. Victoria Clark as Joan/Nan. Will Harrison as Jacob. Cody Kostro as Raf/Sam. Piter Marek as Tony/Derek/DS Villers. Sam Robards as David/Raf’s Dad. Lucy Taylor as Mum/Wendy. Judith Lightfoot Clarke as U/S Joan/Nan, Mum/Wendy. Kim Fischer as Ensemble, U/S Raf/Sam and Tony/Derek. Ben Livingston as U/S David/Raf’s Dad. Jacob Orr as Ensemble, U/S Jacob. Amber Reauchean Williams as Ensemble, U/S Clare/Nicola.

The creatives are: Anna Fleischle scenic and Costume Design. Robbie Butler lighting Design. Alexandra Faye Braithwaite original Music & Sound Design. Leanne Pinder movement Director. Ben Furey dialect Coach. Charlotte Fleck dialect Coach. Caparelliot is Casting & Kelly Gillespie casting. Richard A. Hodge production Stage Manager. Ashley-Rose Galligan stage Manager. Jacob Dunne author, Right from Wrong.

Performances begin September 9, 2025 at the Samual Friedman Theatre of the Manhattan Theatre Club in New York City. Opening night is September 29, 2025.

In association with Nottingham Playhouse. Major support for "Punch" is provided by Ned Lustbader.

THE LADY FROM THE SEA written and directed by Simon Stone. Based on the Henrik Ibsen story.

"The Lady from the Sea" is a thrilling dissection of desire, loss and rebirth for the contemporary age.

Fearful she may have settled too easily for a comfortable life married to a well-off doctor, Ellida searches for a way to break the predictable routine her existence has become. When a lover from her past appears at their remote country house, she has to choose between the life she has now built and the one she left behind long ago.

Starring Oscar winner Alicia Vikander and marking the return of Andrew Lincoln to the London stage.

The full cast includes: Alicia Vikander as Ellida. Andrew Lincoln as Edward. Isobel Akuwudike as Hilda. Joe Alwyn as Heath. Brendan Cowell as Finn Marcet. John Macmillan as Lyle. Gracie Oddie-James as Asa. Daniel Gregory covers Lyle & Heath. Sarah Moss covers Ellida. Sadhbha Odufuwa-Bolger covers Asa & Hilda. Nathan Wiley covers Edward & Finn.

The creatives are: Set designer Lizzie Clachan. Costume Designer Mel Page. Composition and Sound Designer Stefan Gregory. Lighting designer Nick Schlieper. Casting directoressica Ronane. Production Wouter van Ransbeek. Associate designer Seán Linnen. Associate Lighting Designer Guy Jones. Assistant Designer Pip Terry. Intimacy Coordinator David Thackeray. Costume Supervisor Anna Josephs. Props supervisor Lily Mollgaard. Production manager Jim Leaver.

September 10 - November 8, 2025 at The Bridge Theatre which is operated by London Theatre Company Productions Limited.

HARD TO SAY a Comedy Show About Life with Chronic Pain, written and performed by 2024 Edinburgh Fringe Festival Best Newcomer Award Nominee Kyle Ayers.

In "Hard To Say," Kyle Ayers tells jokes and stories and shares his experience living with chronic pain. For years he has lived with a rare nerve disorder, Trigeminal Neuralgia, also known as the Suicice Disease" which causes frequent sudden and intense pain in his head and face. Featured in the "Los Angeles Times" for both his comedy and the disease, Kyle performs his show about his experience living with the disease, getting misdiagnosed for years, getting brain surgery, the successful brain surgery eventually wearing off, and what life looks like when you may have tried everything and nothing works. We’ve got to laugh at some point.

SoHo Playhouse proudly presents the Off-Broadway premiere of "Hard To Say," running September 4 - 14, 2025 in a limited engagement.

E-Book

Soft back Book

This is not your typical, totally boring textbook.

In the pages of How To Earn A Living As A Freelance Writer (the first to be lied to and the last to be paid) you'll find sex, celebrities, violence, threats, unethical editors, scummy managers and lawyers, treacherous press agents, sex discrimination; as well as a how-to for earning money by writing down words.

Next Column: September 7, 2025
Copyright: August 31, 2025 All Rights Reserved. Reviews, Interviews, Commentary, Photographs or Graphics from any Broadway To Vegas (TM) columns may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, utilized as leads, or used in any manner without permission, compensation and/or credit.
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Laura Deni